Discover gentle ways to help your baby take your milk from a bottle.
Some breastfed babies take time to get used to bottle feeding. Even though the milk is the same, feeding from a bottle can feel very different to feeding at the breast. Your baby needs to learn new mouth and tongue movements.
It can be worrying if your baby won’t take expressed milk at first. You’re not doing anything wrong. Many babies need time and practice to accept bottle feeding. Different things help different babies.
Sometimes, having a different person offer the milk can help. Your baby may find it easier if you’re not nearby, as they’re used to feeding from you at the breast.
Timing tips
Choosing the right moment to offer expressed milk can make feeding smoother for you and your baby.
- Offer expressed milk as soon as your baby shows feeding cues, rather than waiting until they’re very upset.
- Try different times of the day. For example, just after waking, when sleepy, or between regular feeds when they’re not so hungry.
- Some babies find it comforting to cuddle clothing that smells like their mum during a feed.
Bottle feeding tips
Some babies are unsure what to do with a bottle teat.
- Try gently squeeze the teat at first so milk flows into your baby’s mouth.
- Stroking the teat downward on your baby’s lips may help them open their mouth.
- Trying different teats can help. Shape, size and flow rate vary.
- Some babies prefer a slow flow, especially when they’re younger. Older babies may prefer a faster flow.
- Warming the teat may help if it feels cold.
- Using paced bottle feeding can also help support breastfeeding.
Try different feeding positions
Sometimes a position other than the cradle hold may be more successful. Baby may associate lying down with breastfeeding. You could try having baby sitting up, perhaps facing you. Some babies prefer to face outward on the caregiver's lap.
Gently rock your baby or walk around while feeding.
Other ways to offer breastmilk
If bottle feeding isn’t working, there are other gentle ways to feed your baby expressed milk. Every baby is different, so it’s okay to try a few options to see what suits your family best.
- Try a small cup for a young baby or a straw or sipper cup for an older baby.
- Hold your baby upright for cup feeding and offer small sips.
- For babies over 6 months, you can add expressed breastmilk to their food.
Every baby is different, and it may take a few tries to find what works best for you and your baby. If you need more support, reach out to an ABA breastfeeding counsellor.
© Australian Breastfeeding Association May 2026
Read more about preparing and feeding expressed breastmilk
